Ionic Liquid Microcapsules: Formation and Application of Polystyrene Microcapsules with Ionic Liquid Cores

The synthesis of 2–3 μm spherical microcapsules with a polymer shell and a liquid core composed of ionic liquid (IL) ([Bmim]­[NTf2]) is described. These discrete IL microcapsules are prepared quickly and in large quantity in a low temperature, one pot synthesis, by a modified coacervation technique. These IL microcapsules show ability to release dye from the IL core into solution through a polymer membrane and also concentrate metal ions from solution into the microcapsules.